The Platinum Collection (Audio CD) The good thing about the Platinum Series is that they form a solid and honest introduction to an artist. The previous reveiwer is right, they are not a complete Greatest Hits - possibly a deliberate record company act to leave a hook dangling for further purchases. What they do is give an open minded listener the chance to make their own mind up about an act.

This compilation contains some material that is very very good - more than enough to off-set the weaker points. The first single Johnny Come Home provided the electric shock of Roland Gift's voice and an unberaringly haunting lament in tune with the 80s. OK, Suspicious Minds wasn't the greatest cover ever, but the edgy reworking of the Buzzcocks' Ever Fallen In Love is up there with the best. As for 'Blue' - possibly the finest and most tuneful protest comment on the Thatcher years you'll ever hear.
 

This is a good compilation at a budget price. FYC were not a run of the mill 80s band and you won't have anything similar to them in your collection if you don't own the original albums. Give it a go.  

 Face Value (Audio CD) In 1981, before he discovered his social conscience, he wrote a great album about problems that he really understood, and sentiments that he really felt. There's real edge here, in the menacing bassline and explosive drums of 'air tonight'. There's some funk in the riffs 'behind the lines'. And genuinely exotic world influences in 'droned' and 'the roof is leaking'. He even picked a great, neglected Beatles track to cover. So don't buy anything he's ever written - except this. 20 years ago, he got it absolutely right. Swallow your pride and put it in your basket.

 

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